in touch to 6f out, soon lost touch, tailed off
towards rear, steady headway 5f out, ridden to go 2nd over 2f out, no chance with winner
chased leaders, ridden and weakened 4f out, soon lost touch, tailed off
held up, rapid headway to challenged leader 10f out, soon led and clear, edged left and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden and lost place 5f out, tailed off
towards rear, steady headway and in touch 5f out, led on inside over 2f out, drew clear final furlong, unchallenged
soon led, headed 9f out, stayed prominent until ridden and weakened 2f out
well in rear, steady headway from 6f out, effort and staying on outside when carried left over 2f out, soon no impression
Moon Emperor took this event twelve months ago and, with major doubts surrounding the principals, he is the TEAMtalk selection to stage a repeat performance. The in-form John Jenkins-trained gelding is just 4lb higher compared to last year's success and has shown winning form on a soft surface. Random Quest, who handles these conditions, has been lightly campaigned and is open to further improvement. The son of Rainbow Quest incurs a 3lb penalty for a most determined all-the-way victory at Chester (Mana d'Argent held) last weekend so rates the main danger as Hugs Dancer, Jack Dawson and Riyadh would all prefer a quicker surface.